How Much Cash To Bring On Carnival Cruise?

I honestly can’t remember the last time I used cash! Everyone accepts a credit or debit card nowadays.

But cruise ships are a different story. Sometimes you will need cash, especially for additional tips when you disembark.

But exactly how much cash do you need? And don’t most cruise ships accept credit cards anyways? Let’s dive in…

How Much Money Should You Bring on a Carnival Cruise?

When embarking on a Carnival cruise, it is generally recommended to bring approximately $100 in cash per person for each day spent in port, while no cash is necessary for the sea days. It is important to note that spending habits may differ among individuals, and this guideline serves as a useful reference point for novice cruisers to ensure they have an appropriate amount of cash on hand.

Having a supply of small bills and coins is highly recommended, as a significant portion of your cash expenses while on land may consist of tips, vending machine purchases, and public restroom fees.

What Is The Average Amount of Cash to Bring on a Cruise?

The average amount of cash to bring on a cruise depends on various factors, such as the cruise destination, duration, and individual spending habits. However, as a general rule of thumb, many seasoned cruisers suggest bringing around $100 in cash per person for each day spent in port.

This amount may cover expenses like food, souvenirs, and activities on shore. Additionally, bringing smaller denominations of bills and coins may be helpful for tipping, vending machines, and other smaller expenses.

It’s important to note that cashless payment options are widely available on most modern cruise ships, and some ports may accept credit or debit cards as well.

Do You Need Cash On A Cruise Ship?

While cash is not always necessary on a cruise ship, it is always recommended to have some on hand for certain situations.

Most modern cruise ships operate on a cashless system, meaning that passengers use their room key or cruise card to make purchases onboard, which are charged to their onboard account.

However, some expenses such as gratuities, purchases from vending machines or gift shops, and fees for certain services may require cash.

In addition, cash is often necessary when traveling on land excursions or exploring ports of call.

It is always a good idea to carry some small bills and coins for these types of situations.

Ultimately, it’s important to check with your specific cruise line for their policies on cash and other forms of payment.

What Is Carnival Cruise Cash?

Carnival Cruise Cash is a form of onboard credit that can be purchased in advance or during a Carnival cruise.

It can be used to pay for a variety of expenses onboard the ship, such as gratuities, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Carnival Cruise Cash can also be used to settle any outstanding balances on a passenger’s onboard account at the end of the cruise.

When purchasing Carnival Cruise Cash in advance, passengers can typically receive a bonus percentage of extra onboard credit, depending on the amount purchased.

This can be a great way to budget and save money for expenses while onboard.

It is important to note that Carnival Cruise Cash is non-refundable and non-transferable, so passengers should carefully consider how much they want to purchase before doing so.

What is a Carnival Sail & Sign Card?

The Carnival Sail & Sign card is a keycard that is issued to each passenger upon boarding a Carnival cruise ship.

It serves as the passenger’s onboard identification, room key, and method of payment for onboard purchases.

The Sail & Sign card is linked to the passenger’s onboard account, which is created upon check-in and linked to a credit or debit card. This allows passengers to make purchases onboard the ship without having to carry cash.

At the end of the cruise, the total charges are automatically charged to the passenger’s credit or debit card on file, unless they have opted to settle their account with another form of payment such as cash or gift cards.

In addition to serving as a payment method, the Sail & Sign card also allows passengers to access their cabin, track their onboard account balance, and check-in and out of the ship at ports of call.

It is important to keep the Sail & Sign card with you at all times during the cruise, as it is essential for various onboard activities and services.

Do Carnival Cruise Ships Have ATMs?

Yes, Carnival Cruise ships have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) onboard.

These machines are typically located in public areas such as the atrium or casino and allow passengers to withdraw cash using their debit or credit cards.

However, it’s important to note that using an ATM onboard may incur additional fees from both the cruise line and the card issuer.

It’s advisable to check with your bank before using an ATM on a Carnival cruise ship to determine any fees or limitations that may apply.

Additionally, some ports of call may have their own ATMs available for use, which may offer more favorable exchange rates than the ship’s ATM.

What Currency Should You Bring On A Cruise?

The currency that you should bring on a cruise depends on the cruise destination and the ports of call that the ship will visit.

If the cruise ship is sailing to destinations where the local currency is different from your home currency, it’s advisable to exchange some money before the trip or upon arrival at the port of embarkation. This can be done at banks, currency exchange offices, or even at the airport.

Alternatively, you can use credit or debit cards for most onboard purchases, and for any purchases made while in port, major credit cards are generally accepted.

However, it’s always a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked due to suspected fraud.

It’s also a good idea to bring some small denominations of US dollars as they are widely accepted in many ports of call around the world. US dollars can be used for tips, taxi fares, and purchases from local vendors.

Ultimately, it’s important to research the currency and payment options for the specific ports of call and cruise itinerary in advance to ensure that you have the appropriate currency and payment methods available during your trip.

How To Determine Your Budget For Your Cruise

Before embarking on a cruise, it is important to have a clear idea of the different expenses that may be incurred during the trip. Some of the most common expenses on a cruise include:

1. Accommodations: This includes the cost of the cabin, which can vary depending on the type of cabin and location on the ship.
2. Food and drinks: Most cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, from complimentary main dining rooms to specialty restaurants that may charge a cover fee. Carnival cruise is NOT all-inclusive. Drinks, including alcohol and soft drinks, are typically not included in the base cruise fare and must be purchased separately.
3. Excursions: Cruise ships offer a range of shore excursions that allow passengers to explore the ports of call. These can include guided tours, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.
4. Spa treatments and other onboard activities: Cruise ships often have onboard spas, fitness centers, and other activities such as shows and casinos that may require additional fees.
5. Shopping: Many cruise ships have onboard shops that sell souvenirs, clothing, and other items.

Your cruise fare will include accommodation, some entertainment and on-board activities (pool, gym, etc.), plus food in the buffets and main dining halls. Drinks, especially alcoholic beverages, cost extra.

It’s important to have cash on hand for some extras, such as tipping during excursions and you will most likely need cash for the casino.

You May Need Cash For The Casino

If you plan on visiting the casino on a Carnival cruise ship, it’s important to keep in mind that most games require cash to play.

While you can charge your Sail & Sign card with cash, using a credit card or debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM onboard may come with additional fees.

It’s a good idea to bring cash with you to the casino if you plan on gambling. However, it’s important to gamble responsibly and within your budget. Set a limit for yourself and stick to it to avoid overspending.

In the casino, you’ll find a range of games to choose from, including slot machines, table games, and more. Slot machines accept cash or a pre-loaded casino card, which can be loaded with cash at the casino cage.

Table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette also require cash to place bets. The casino may also offer tournaments and other special events that require cash to participate.

If you do run out of cash while in the casino, you can usually withdraw more from the casino cashier or use your Sail & Sign card to charge additional funds to your onboard account.

Keep in mind that this will likely come with additional fees and charges, so it’s best to plan ahead and bring enough cash with you to avoid overspending.

It’s also worth noting that the casino on a Carnival cruise ship is usually only open when the ship is in international waters, which means it may not be open during all hours.

Additionally, the minimum age for gambling on a Carnival cruise ship is 18 years old, except for Alaska and Hawaii sailings where the minimum age is 21 years old.

If you plan on visiting the casino during your Carnival cruise, it’s best to bring enough cash with you to avoid any additional fees or charges. Set a limit for yourself and gamble responsibly, and be aware of the casino’s operating hours and minimum age requirements.

How Much Cash Do Cruisers Typically Spend?

The amount of cash that cruisers spend can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the cruise, the type of cabin and amenities chosen, the cruise line and ship, the destinations visited, and individual spending habits.

According to a 2019 report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the average cruise passenger spends around $214 per day on their cruise, which includes food, drinks, shore excursions, shopping, and other onboard activities.

However, this amount can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above.

For example, a shorter cruise of 3-5 days may result in lower overall spending as there is less time to participate in activities and visit destinations.

A longer cruise of 7-10 days or more may result in higher overall spending as there is more time to participate in onboard and shore activities.

Additionally, the type of cabin and amenities chosen can also impact spending. A higher-end cabin with a balcony or suite may come with additional perks and amenities that can lead to higher overall spending.

Destinations can also impact spending, as certain ports of call may have higher costs of living and more expensive activities and attractions.

Overall, it’s important for cruisers to set a budget and prioritize their spending based on their individual preferences and interests. By doing so, cruisers can ensure they have a great experience without overspending or going over their budget.

Are You Paying For Your Onboard Expenses In Cash?

On a Carnival cruise, most onboard expenses are charged to your Sail & Sign account, which is linked to a credit card or debit card that you provide at check-in. This includes expenses such as food, drinks, onboard activities, and gratuities.

While you can charge your Sail & Sign account with cash at the Guest Services desk or at a kiosk onboard, it’s important to note that this may come with additional fees or restrictions.

For example, if you choose to deposit cash into your Sail & Sign account, a hold may be placed on your account until the cash deposit is verified, which can take up to 24 hours.

Additionally, some onboard services and activities may require cash, such as the casino, vending machines, and some shore excursions.

It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you on the cruise for these expenses, but it’s important to budget and spend responsibly to avoid overspending.

Overall, while you can use cash for some onboard expenses on a Carnival cruise, it’s most convenient and efficient to link your Sail & Sign account to a credit card or debit card. This allows you to easily track your expenses and settle your account at the end of the cruise.